In the packed calendar of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League second qualifying round, one match stands out for football fans: Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk. The Turkish side earned their spot in the Europa League qualifiers after finishing fourth in last season’s Super Lig, an improvement over their sixth-place finish the year before. Coached by former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Besiktas start the season with clear ambitions to return to the top of Turkish football (their last title dates back to 2020/21). To support this goal, the club strengthened the squad with several key signings, including English striker Tammy Abraham (formerly of AC Milan and AS Roma) and attacking midfielder Orkun Kocku from Benfica. Getting through the second qualifying round would already be a significant first milestone—both to send a message to domestic rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce and to return to European competition, having last played in the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023/24 (eliminated in the group stage). However, the first hurdle is far from easy. At the Tupras Stadium in Istanbul, Besiktas will host Shakhtar Donetsk, who had to begin their European journey in the first round after finishing third in last season’s Ukrainian Premier League. For Arda Turan—facing a personal derby of sorts, having come through the ranks at Galatasaray—the two-legged clash against Finnish side Ilves proved to be a formality. After a 6-0 first-leg victory, Shakhtar comfortably saw out a goalless draw in the return leg. Over recent years, Shakhtar have been regulars on the European stage. Their most recent experience was in last season’s new-format UEFA Champions League, where they finished a disappointing 27th in the single-league phase. Considering the quality and ambition of both clubs, it wouldn't be surprising if the winner of this tie eventually secured a place in the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League group stage. 

Besiktas' Recent Form and Key Stats

The match against Shakhtar Donetsk marks the official start of Besiktas’s 2025/26 campaign. Following their final Super Lig fixture on June 1, the Turkish side played four international friendlies, recording one win, one draw, and two losses. In their last pre-season match on July 17, they were beaten 2-1 by Slovakian side Petrzalka, with Albanian striker Ernest Muci scoring Besiktas’s only goal.

Last season in the Turkish Super Lig, Solskjær’s side—under his management since January—finished fourth, trailing second place by 22 points and the champions by 33. Their home form was inconsistent, with 5 losses in 18 matches (11 wins, 2 draws). Nonetheless, they averaged nearly two goals scored per home game while conceding just over one. 

Shakhtar Donetsk's Recent Form and Key Stats

Shakhtar Donetsk progressed from the Europa League first qualifying round with a dominant 6-0 aggregate win over Ilves. They followed that up with a 1-0 friendly defeat against Slovenian side Triglav on July 18. Across July, combining competitive and friendly fixtures, Shakhtar played six matches: three wins, two draws, and one loss, scoring 13 goals and conceding only two, with four clean sheets.

The Ukrainian side underwhelmed in the domestic league last season, finishing third behind Dynamo Kyiv and surprise package Oleksandriya. Away from home, they were the league’s second-best performers with 8 wins, 5 draws, and just 2 defeats. Though they haven’t played at the Donbass Arena for three years, their away attack remained effective, scoring 28 goals in 15 away matches while conceding 11. 

Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction and Tactical Overview

The Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction by BetMines points to an entertaining and dynamic match, likely featuring at least three total goals (Over 2.5 goals) and both teams getting on the scoresheet (Both Teams to Score).

Besiktas have shown defensive vulnerabilities, conceding in each of their last three matches and having both scored and conceded in six of their last eight games, including the tail end of last season.

Shakhtar, meanwhile, are known for their attacking style—a trait reaffirmed by their six goals in the first competitive fixture of the season. Arda Turan’s side also appears solid defensively, though it's worth noting that their recent opposition has not been particularly strong, whether in qualifiers or friendlies.

Against a well-structured and experienced team like Besiktas—significantly strengthened by their summer transfer window—Shakhtar’s defensive wall may be tested more seriously. A goal for each side appears likely.

Besiktas will also aim to leverage their home advantage, which may require them to push forward, thereby leaving space for the pacey Shakhtar forwards, particularly wingers Alisson and Kevin, to exploit on the counter.

• Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction by BetMines: Over 2.5 goals – 56%
  
  
• Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction by BetMines: Both Teams to Score – 57%

Predicted Lineups: Besiktas vs Shakhtar Donetsk

BESIKTAS (4-3-3): Gunok; Svensson, Gabriel, Uduokhai, Jurasek; Kokcu, Tiknaz, Kayra Yilmaz; Rafa Silva, Abraham, Joao Mario. Coach: Solskjaer

SHAKHTAR DONETSK (4-3-3): Riznyk; Konoplya, Bondar, Matviienko, Pedro Henrique; Marlon Gomes, Bondarenko, Sudakov; Alisson, Kaua Elias, Kevin. Coach: Turan